1d ago
Credibility
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Change is afoot. The latest Baker Fairburn Hockey Show delves into it all, underscored by the credibility that Jarmo Kekäläinen brings to the table. Follow this podcast and be sure to read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6910292/2025/12/21/sabres-norris-benson-luukkonen-devils/
Dec 16
A New Day
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6892569/2025/12/16/sabres-buffalo-jarmo-kekalainen-kevyn-adams/
Dec 9
Desperation mode
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. You can read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6871478/2025/12/08/sabres-ostlund-power-lineup-ruff/
Dec 4
Calamitous
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6860874/2025/12/04/sabres-failed-challenge-defense-flyers/
Dec 2
Norris takes the wheel
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6854323/2025/12/02/josh-norris-return-sabres-jets/
Nov 26
A dance partner?
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: Five keys for Sabres after 22 games: Josh Norris’ return, role players step up, more: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6837717/2025/11/26/sabres-standings-josh-norris-stats/
Nov 24
The Climb
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6831740/2025/11/23/sabres-standings-malenstyn-quinn-hurricanes/
Nov 21
Passengers
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6824170/2025/11/21/buffalo-sabres-roster-mason-geertsen/
Nov 18
House Hunting
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6816166/2025/11/18/sabres-noah-ostlund-rosen-ellis-oilers/
Nov 14
The time has come
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6806613/2025/11/14/buffalo-sabres-winless-streak/
Nov 11
The tipping point?
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres.
Nov 4
Fighting for space in the crowded East
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Check out Matthew's latest mailbag at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6774822/2025/11/04/sabres-standings-stats-alex-tuch-devon-levi/
Oct 29
Sabres running game rolling
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres.
Oct 24
A good goalie problem
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's latest work at the Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6742334/2025/10/23/sabres-colten-ellis-nhl-debut-quinn-red-wings/
Oct 21
Chasing the Habs
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres. Read Matthew's story on the Sabres' effort in Montreal at The Athletic: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6735662/2025/10/21/buffalo-sabres-chasing-montreal-again/
Oct 20
Are the answers in the room now?
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss everything Buffalo Sabres.
Mar 2
Sabres selling. Are you buying?
Send us a text 0:00 – 4:04 Promo, The Athletic Sabres fan survey outreach 4:05 – 31:09 Loss to the Habs, Navigating Jordan Greenway/Jason Zucker/Henri Jokijarju situations at the deadline (and beyond?) 31:10 – 42:34 The Athletic Anonymous Agent and Player polls 42:35 – 50:06 Changing the franchise perception 50:07 – 1:09:45 Buffalo Sabres season ticket renewal letter 1:09:46 – 1:28:14 The audience chat The YouTube live show: https://www.youtube.com/live/hOQvnHoQx_I?si=l8u4MpKLts77Fk9J
Nov 5, 2024
Sabres approach most important stretch of Adams' tenure
Send us a text Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) discuss the critical stretch of games ahead of the Sabres leading up to Thanksgiving.
Jun 7, 2024
We're back: Bench moves, final Lindy thoughts as draft and offseason heats up
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Mar 25, 2024
As Sabres get pulled from the playoff push, an offseason idea becomes top of mind
Send us a text Forget that Edmonton drubbing. There's a little runway left, and for now anyway, the Sabres can (mathematically) keep the playoff dream alive... Kris and Matthew, however, are still being realistic about the expected outcome. Have the Sabres really gotten better at handling the pressure per Don Granato's claims, or did they simply get a goalie that learned to handle it? But really, this episode was sabotaged by pre-maturely discussing a possible draft strategy for the Sabres come June. Feedback loop is open. We can't wait to expand on that discussion!
Mar 12, 2024
Meaningful March? A motivated Sabres group begins a huge three-game stretch
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Feb 13, 2024
Pregame special as Power-less Sabres take on the Kings
Send us a text In a quick hit pre-game broadcast ahead of Sabres-Kings, Kris and Matthew discuss the Owen Power injury news and the expected defensive pair shuffling that could take place in his absence. As will be the norm, Kris and Matthew touch upon the Sabres potential activity at the trade deadline. What does "Sabres are looking for help now" really mean? Casey Mittelstadt was not discussed (!), but names like Jordan Greenway, Scott Laughton, and Boone Jenner were.
Feb 10, 2024
Mittelstadt chatter heating up?
Send us a text Kris and Matthew get together prior to the Sabres matinee against St. Louis to discuss the Casey Mittelstadt chatter and touch upon the team's performance when the pressure is on versus off...
Feb 6, 2024
Another injury hole to fill as Sabres enter a busy stretch
Send us a text We just talked about how to fill the Jack Quinn void. Now we talk about the opportunity others are going to get in the final 30+ games with Mattias Samuelsson out for the remainder of the season. Related: are the injuries a valid reason for the Sabres not meeting this season's expectations? The lack of experienced depth could continue to prove costly. Sabres will have new lines combos and revised D pairs coming out of the beak. Will they also see Devon Levi at some point? That and a lot more as Kris and Matthew answer questions from the chat and get ready for the back half of 2023-24.
Jan 25, 2024
West not best as Sabres begin trip
Send us a text Ahead of the late start in LA, Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn catch up on all things Buffalo Sabres following a disappointing effort in Anaheim. The coaching situation is a hot topic in Sabreland with the clock ticking as new lines combos are unveiled for their matchup with the Kings Kris makes a bet with a few beloved livechatters - can he win?
Jan 19, 2024
"Mr. January" seizing control in the crease?
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn catch up on all things Buffalo Sabres. Editors note: In this episode, Kris had the timeline of events incorrect leading up to the Sabres' drafting Kassian, McNabb, and Foligno (thank you to listener Koda), but he feels his overarching point still stands! Also in this episode.... Matt and Kris get together following the Sabres' home-ice victory over Chicago. Topics include: Time to ride UPL? Can Zach Benson on the top line be a thing even after Skinner returns? Follow up to the previous podcast on what Vancouver has done to climb the 2023-24 standings and more...
Dec 8, 2023
Did Power and Samuelsson just become best friends?
Send us a text The Dahlin-less Sabres defeat Boston 3-1 and sandwich a four-game losing streak between road victories against the two best teams in the Eastern Conference. Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson successfully munch major minutes in a spot where the team desperately needed them to perform. Does this become a new pair that forces Don Granato to find a new partner for Dahlin (day to day) once he returns? The Tage effect is real as it seems his return has elevated the team's overall compete level. If this challenging stretch is an audition for the team's next captaincy, Thompson is checking some boxes to be included in that leadership group once Kyle Okposo hangs up the skates. Devon Levi returns from his two-game stint in the AHL and comes up big, backstopping the team to victory against one of the league's top clubs. With the Sabres rumored to have interest in acquiring a veteran netminder, what's next for Levi in an attempt to balance winning versus developing? Is it time to change the Victor Olofsson narrative? There are some compelling stats that may suggest that to be the case. There is an interesting dynamic in place with Isak Rosen's arrival that could be helping both of the Swedes. Commenter Kevin says the win in Boston means little if the Sabres do not follow up in their next game (versus Montreal). After all, the Sabres have struggled to win two in a row. If that's the case, what are the next moves to be considered that can get the team on track? Also, Kris shamelessly solicits the audience for Christmas cookies. His DMs are open. As always, thank you for supporting the Baker Fairburn Hockey Show.
Dec 1, 2023
Inconsistency reigns as Kane Train passes by
Send us a text Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn (@MatthewFairburn) catch up on things Buffalo Sabres. In the latest episode.... The Sabres' flip-flipping of wins and losses has us all wondering - what is this team? One thing that is known is that the lack of consistent compete is a concern. Kevyn Adams is apparently making calls, and with Patrick Kane choosing to play in Detroit, the Sabres could consider other options. Does the team need to look externally to shake things up? Or do they just need to get healthy? UPL steps up and takes the lead goaltending gig (for noe), allowing Devon Levi to reset his development in Rochester. Notes on Zach Benson, Owen Power, and Alex Tuch's early-season mileage. Plus we take a weekly cruise through the live chat -- which we love dearly. *** Thank you for supporting the show! All episodes of the Baker Fairburn Hockey Show are recorded live at https://www.youtube.com/sabresprospects If you prefer audio only: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hZnEIB.. . Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast.. . Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0.. . Or just tell Alexa to "play the Baker Fairburn Hockey Show"....
Nov 23, 2023
Benson here to stay?
Send us a text Kris Baker and The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn discuss all things Sabres following the team's 4-3 OT loss in Washington. *** Thank you for supporting the show! Video link for the live recording of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5aL95lY3rA&list=PLht-FKcPy2pm3A_A0_jHAIqR4Bw5-y2yQ&index=9&t=388s *** On this episode, Kris and Matthew discuss: The elephant in the room is the Zach Benson completing his ninth game. Does he stay for a 10th game? Does he go to World Juniors? Sabres continue going with seven defenseman and 11 forwards. Do the Sabres need to make some decisions from a roster standpoint? Between three goalies, eight defensemen and now going 11/7, do they need to make up their mind? Jack Quinn returns to the ice. What's his timeline for a return to the lineup? Two topics in this week's game of FACT OR FICTION: Time to ease the goaltending situation by sending the youngest to Rochester? Plus, a discussion on who has been the Sabres best forward this season. Kris seems very excited for the show to receive its first-ever SuperChat. That and heck of a lot more as Kris and Matthew clear out the live chat.
Nov 17, 2023
Sabres depth to be tested with Thompson out
Send us a text Tage Thompson's wrist injury is obviously a tough situation for the Sabres to manage. What does it do to the forward groupings? What does it do to the PK? But also, what does it mean for the Sabres in their pursuit of Patrick Kane? Victor Olofsson breaks the seal, and as a streaky scorer, maybe he can somehow get going when they need him most... With Eric Comrie and Zach Benson about to come off IR, space will be needed. Kris and Matthew review the candidates to go down. On that note, what's next for Ryan Johnson? Should he stay? is Devon Levi being developed correctly? Plus we take a weekly cruise through the live chat -- which is always fun.
Nov 8, 2023
Toasting Tuch as Ryan Johnson emerges
Send us a text After a bounce-back victory in Toronto that washed away the funk of two tough games versus Philly, the Sabres were unable to keep the good times rolling in a 3-2 OT loss in Carolina. Lots of good to take away despite the mixed results of late. Alex Tuch, for example. He's back and the Sabres are clearly better for it.... JJ Peterka alongside Casey Mittelstadt seems to be a thing... Matthew Savoie is ready for his NHL debut, but is Jiri Kulich, who is tearing up the AHL at the moment, not too far behind? And oh yes, rookie defenseman Ryan Johnson moved up next to Rasmus Dahlin for the game against the Canes and was quite impressive... That and heck of a lot more.
Nov 2, 2023
Don't look now, but the Sabres have won two in a row...
Send us a text After dark edition! Thanks in large part to solid goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, the Buffalo Sabres begin November with wins in two consecutive games for the first time in 2023-24. Kris and Matthew run through the Sabres getting grossly outshot in Philadelphia yet coming away with a victory. Getting Tage Thomson and Alex Tuch going is obviously a great thing after getting those secondary layers scoring earlier in the season. Perhaps the team is on to something... On those secondary layers, though, Kris opens his mouth way too soon about the Casey Mittelstadt contract situation, but ends up happy to have talked it through with Matthew. Live chat questions get answered and the topic of neckguards is briefly discussed. That and a heck a lot more.
Oct 25, 2023
Baker Fairburn Hockey Show: State of the Sabres Seven Games In
Send us a text We're 8.5% of the way through the Buffalo Sabres season. Kris Baker and Matthew Fairburn go top-to-bottom through the roster and discuss the highs and lows of what we've seen thus far.
Oct 12, 2023
10.11.23 Sabres Season Eve Brings an Owen Power Extension
Send us a text Just two days after Rasmus Dahlin and the Sabres cement their long-term commitment, Kris and Matthew discuss the massive news of the day with Owen Power inking a seven-year extension and what it means for the future of the organization. Among the smorgasboard of other topics discussed: Final thoughts on the Sabres' opening night roster How Zach Benson and Matthew Savoie could fit as under-20 pieces to the puzzle, and how the Sabres may maneuver to make those pieces fit The Sabres reported interest in Patrick Kane